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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Ocean Energy Industries WaveSurfer
From Open Energy Information
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Ocean Energy Industries WaveSurfer
A point absorber system that is comprised of two bodies: (1) moored to seabed buoyant body and (2) suspended from it fully submerged frame with installed rotors and electric generator. The submerged body is held at a depth of around one-half wavelength where the water is relatively calm. The buoyant body rises with each wave, lifting the submerged body upward. As the float falls into the trough, gravity drags the submerged body downward. This up and down motion through a region of stationary water causes the rotation of rotors on the submerged body due to water resistance force (drag force). Rotor buckets along the rotors are shaped to move through water with minimum resistance in one direction and with maximum resistance in the opposite direction. Rotation is transmitted to an electric generator installed on the submerged body. The generator is equipped with a flywheel and overrunning clutch to maintain constant rotation..
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Active
Technology Type
Power Take-Off
Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more
Direct Drive Generator
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
2100 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
6
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
1 May 2025
Citation Formats
“Ocean Energy Industries WaveSurfer.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Ocean_Energy_Industries_WaveSurfer. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Ocean Energy Industries WaveSurfer." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Ocean_Energy_Industries_WaveSurfer.
